TMNT: 2003 Boyfriend scenario - Love Is Blossoming.

A chapter ends, our new story begins - Raphael

Please read: A/N - Love Is Blooming afterwards.
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At the nightfall of Winter, when the temperature had reached its lowest point, sparkles of warmth ignited around New York City, as people big or small, young or old started a fire in their fireplaces and gathered around it to keep Jack Frost and any of the cold Winter's underlings at bay. Even without a fireplace, New York's citizens had other ways to warm themselves up, in which you gladly used one way or another.

About two weeks ago, your fate once again had crossed with the Hamatos', as you had returned back home to where you really belonged. Seeing as your first reunion with Raph had ended up with the usual bickering, you had a quite easy time getting used to the life back in the Lair with four giant Turtles, one wise rat and three unrelated sisters. Neither of the other girls seemed to have a hard time getting back into the previous daily life you had shared.

But maybe that was the problem?

After such a long time apart, all you and Raph seemed to do was bicker and flirt every now and then, as if you still where just a teenage couple learning how to have a actual relationship. But wasn't there something wrong with that? You had been together for so long, so wasn't it time to get a little more serious, specially now that you were technically official adults?

Sometime at late evening, you and Raph were chilling on the couch while watching some ridiculous romance movie that was on, while the commercials on the other channels were ending. Snuggling into his arms with your head onto his shoulder, you quietly followed the plot of the romance, which somehow seemed relatable for you to understand.

"In love with a beast, yet willing to stay with him forever," you mumbled, actually getting a weird feeling of deja vu. "Kinda sweet in some way."

"Mhm and totally unrealistic," Raph joined in with a brief glance to his belt as saying so. "Everyone know, if that actually happened for real, she'd have run off with some other dude."

You shifted your gaze from the screen to him. "You really think that?"

"Yeah, no one would take that relationship seriously for real,"

Your heart ached a little at your hothead of a boyfriends cold words and looked away. It was true that couples like those in real life for sure would split up. But you and Raph's relationship had held on, so surely you were a exception. Or maybe you were the only one believing that?

Slipping out of the embrace, you gazed at Raph. "You're a turtle."

Snapping away his eyes from his belt, he shifted it to you. "Yeah? What about it?"

"I'm human."

"Yeah?"

You pointed to the screen. "We're like them."

"What? No we aren't," he protested, sitting up straight to face you. "It's just some sickingly sweet fairytale. How could you even think of comparing us to them?"

"'Sickingly sweet'?" you repeated, feeling a little flame of hurt whirl up inside you. "Yeah, it's stupidly lovey-dovey, but they're serious about their shit. I don't like over exaggerated stuff either, but what about us, Raph?" Taking the remote, you turned off the the TV. "Aren't we serious enough to actually do more than just tease each other like a couple of school kids?"

Letting the question hang in the air, you stood from the couch, leaving you boyfriend with a troubled expression pasted to his features. You knew it wasn't fair for you suddenly throw a bomb like that at him. After all you two never had been that good to convey and talk about deeper stuff like the future in a normal conversation.

But you really loved that foolish hothead.

Was it so wrong to actually wanting to be more affectionate in whatever condition you and Raph would be able to show it in? You weren't asking for a romance between you like the one you saw on TV. All you wanted was to know whether or not you were the only one serious about the bond you shared with one another.

Crossing the bridge over the Lair's little pool, you were startled by the sound of feet, as someone grabbed your wrist, stopping you from leaving. Turning around, very well aware that it was Raph, you gaped a little at the look he was giving you.

His eyes shone with determination. 

"You don't understand, (Y/n)," he breathed in a deep voice. "We're not like them. They're cartoon characters. When the movie is over, their love story ends. Finito, completo." Letting go of your wrist, Raph's eyss stared into yours. "We're different. Our love story will never end."

WIde-eyed at the unexpected words, you raised your eye-brow. "Why would ours never end?"

"Because-... Because it's not possible." Reaching into his belt, Raph brought out a small box, and much to your shock, he got on one knee. "You asked me, if we're serious. My answer: Of course we are." Heaving a sigh, he shook his head. "Listen, (Y/n), we've rarely talking about the future, barely ever about feelings, but that just make us the more interesting a couple. It doesn't mean we love each other less or that we're less serious than other couple."

"Raph..." you tried, but quieted down when he continued.

"I'm serious about you, (Y/n). Even if you won't believe me, then I've been so for a long time. I've waited for a moment to do this in the right way, knowing very well that I could screw this up big time." Opening the box, he showed you a sight, you'd never imagine could be true.

It was a dazzling ring, lying on a soft pillow in the box.

"You're the toughest and most loyal girl I ever met. You stick with me, even though my temper and attitude is awful. You're caring and stubborn and a true tomboy, And I love that about you. Everything about you." Although, Raph seemed to have a hard time getting out what he was trying to say, you knew his words were genuine. He was doing the thing he was least good at: Speaking. For you.

"Raph...You don't have to..." you whispered, feeling your heartbeat quickening.

"I do," Raph started firmly, using a moment to collect himself, before finishing off his speech. "(Y/n) (M/n) (L/n), I love you. You're the most important person, I have in my life. I won't lie to you, being with me would probably be the biggest mistake in your life, but...I promise, I'll do what I can to make you happy." His eyes met yours. "So I'm asking you with everything I have, will you marry me?"

If anyone had dared to say you had let a tear escape....then they spoke the truth. You would never have imagined this day would come, yet here it was together with the guy you loved the most, who always had to act tough, yet had let you see his softer sides too.

".Idiot," you snapped at him with a smile, barely noticing the stream of water, covering your face. "Of course, I want to marry you."

Rather than words, you both were better with actions and as you crouched, he stood and you met halfway in a promising kiss for the future.

TMNT 2003 Boyfriend Scenario - Love Is Blooming